My busy weekend

I've been so busy since I returned from my trip that I've not even unpacked my luggage completely.

It's been left open, still full with all my new garments, which I've got no time to wash, no time to organise in my wardrobe and because I've told my maid not to come by this weekend, I've got no one to help me iron them.

So, I'll just leave everything in the luggage till I decide on what to do with its contents.

And here are the reasons why I've been so busy (just so that you don't see me as a lazy ass bum who doesn't clear out her own luggage).


Reason Number One.

The day after I returned from HongKong, I brought Cheery to her groomer.

I've pre-fixed her appointment - she badly needs a fur-cut for CNY and the weather's also turning warmer in the next 2 months.

At the groomer's, waiting for her turn.

"Hi Mommy, not my turn yet."

Sniffing out the cage for a way out.

Finally, her turn on the grooming table.

Snip snip, cut her fringe 1st.

Mike and I were holding our breath at this, the scissors was so near her eyes, we were praying that she does not move.

"Uncle's cleaning my ears."

An almost-done Cheery.

Reason Number Two.

On Saturday evening, we drove in to JB.

It was Bryan's suggestion to have seafood there and we thought we might as well go in a group.

So, Jonathan, Cat and Simon joined us and we drove in, in 2 cars.

The traffic was so bad on the way in because Singapore customs closed 2 lanes (for whatever unintelligent reason to do that on a weekend).

While we were stuck in the traffic jam, we heard the urgent siren calls of an ambulance and whoever badly needed medical aid in there, it was really bad timing because there was hardly any way the ambulance could inch at all in the tightly congested road.

About 2 hours later, we finally found ourselves in JB, settled in the 'pat sat' with a table, waiting to order our food.

Jon & his ma.

Cat & Keith (he was not willing to cooperate in giving me a good shot).

Still refusing to look at the camera but smiling shyly away.

Me & Ma (I've cropped the picture because I was accidentally showing off much more then necessary, and it got censored by Mike).

Bryan & Jessie.

Me & Mike (another uncooperative chap).

URGH!

2 words on the food : SHIOK & CHEAP!

I tried to capture as many dishes as I could on camera. There was so much food and I was so torn between stuffing myself immediately and taking pictures. In fact, I missed out a few dishes intermittently.

Yam ring basket.

Salted egg crabs. It's really an unique way of cooking and I'm surprised I kinda like it despite me not liking salted egg yolks.

The crayfishes! Damn solid and fresh! We ordered them cooked with cereal.

Beggar's Chicken. OooOO, the herbal soup was so good.

Our food, we ordered a total of 10 dishes!

Reason Number Three.

On Sunday, we celebrated Aunt Jen's birthday.

I've been cracking my head over the celebration for a while now, and it suddenly strike me to do a simple potluck and keep it a homely affair instead of the usual dine-out session.

So I planned it out with Winnie and told Uncle Pete to keep it from Aunt Jen.

Unfortunately, Uncle Pete's not too good at keeping secrets. Let's just say Aunt Jen came to know of our gatecrashing intention prior to the actual day.

Nonetheless, it was one good celebration and my initial worry that we might not have bought enough food was at naught.

Look at how much food we've got!

The 'tang kui' duck I bought from JB the night before. I'm not usually a duck-person, but this was really tender and the herbs were really aromatic.

What are birthdays without 'mian xian', but what's with FOUR eggs in it?

Winnie bought double chocolate cheesecake from Swiss Bake. OoooOo, sinful but I likey!

And so does Cheery, she was eyeing so hard at the cake that's not hers.

Aunt Jen & Uncle Pete.

Com'on baby, give me a kiss!

"Hope my wish come true, kim meh tio beh bio!"

The girls with Aunt Jen.

And Cheery wants to be in the picture too.

Ah Kim with Aunt Jen.

Ma with Aunt Jen.

Winnie with her boyfriend, whom I've been dying to meet!

Aunt Jen attempting to sit on Uncle Pete's lap.

And us, the younger generation, with Aunt Jen.

Gambling runs in my family.

Even on birthdays, they get the birthday girl to pick out 4-D numbers!

That was one busy weekend!

And along the array of activities, I missed out Melvin's chalet.

Sorry bro, I really left the house with 2 bottles of red wine to drink-drunk with you and was all ready to take on Estee's chivas' challenge.

Will do that on your last day of service!